Last year, quiet quitting became a trend in a long line of workplace strategies implemented by Gen Z.
Quiet quitting is characterised by putting a minimal amount of effort into the working day — not answering work calls or emails outside of office hours and refusing to take on additional tasks without remuneration.
While the approach instigated many interesting discussions, many of its core components proved difficult to implement if people wanted to retain their jobs. Enter quiet thriving.
A term coined by psychotherapist Lesley Alderman in an article for The Washington Post at the end of last year to describe a new approach to work, quiet thriving is aimed at helping people get the most from their jobs, even if they hate them.
The drawbacks of the ‘bare-minimum’ approach
“The pandemic forced all of us to be in our homes for weeks on end, allowing many to spend time in reflection, question their life choices and habits, and ask what is their life purpose,” says Emma Burdett, founder of Women in Leadership Deliver, or Wild.
“The trend we saw when things started to get back to some sort of normality was many people quitting the corporate world to start their own ventures, allowing them the freedom and creativity they craved. Those who weren’t quite ready to take the plunge entered a mental space of quiet quitting, whereby demotivated and uninspired employees who had quit in their heads were mentally removed from their roles.”
While it sounds good in practice, doing the bare minimum at work also resulted in practitioners entering a negative feedback loop, in which disengaging with the work day led to feelings of alienation and unfulfillment, which then led them to distance themselves further.
Further, while quitting a job that doesn’t make you happy is the obvious solution, with mortgages and bills to pay, along with the increased cost of living, resigning without a new role lined up is rarely feasible.
Easy steps for quietly thriving at work
It may sound dissonant to believe that enjoyment can be found in a job you’re not particularly interested in, but at its core, quiet thriving is about making the best of a situation until you find a more suitable role.
Building relationships with your boss and colleagues, taking regular breaks, including that all-important lunch hour and speaking up when you need help can all help to improve your work life.
“Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help to clear your mind and refocus your energy,” says Nesma Mahmoud, clinical psychologist at Priory Wellbeing Centre. “Additionally, it may be helpful to talk to your manager or supervisor about your workload. Your employer may be able to provide additional resources or support that could help you to stay organised and on track during very busy periods.”
Mohamad Naamani, also a clinical psychologist at Priory Wellbeing Centre, adds: “It’s time to normalise regular breaks at work without any blame, shame or guilt. We all have a right to practise adequate self-care, which should be integrated into our lives and not seen as a luxury.
“Breaks give employees time to process information, make connections and develop solutions naturally.”
Sorting apathy from unhappiness
Burdett adds: “Having been through similar phases myself, I don’t think there is anything worse than to have mentally checked out of what we do. Work is something we should enjoy as we spend a lot of time in the office and in our job role.”
Every job, no matter how satisfying, will have moments that make you question your choices. During these times, it’s important to understand what made a particular moment dissatisfying, whether it was being asked to take on tasks you find overwhelming, an interaction with a colleague, or feeling undervalued.
In her 2022 book Don’t Call it Quits: Turn the Job You have into the Job You Love, Shana Lebowitz Gaynor writes: “When you’re feeling stuck in your job and miserable every weekday morning, it’s easy to assume that everything stinks — and will never get better. This is rarely true.”
Burdett says: “Of course, we all have down days, we are human after all, but when we feel stuck, unfulfilled and have a sense of apathy, it's time to move on and seek a new role. It's also time to go if we are in a toxic environment. I see a lot of this in large firms. Nothing is worth your health and well-being.”
How to quietly thrive your way to job satisfaction
Even if you’re busy scouring LinkedIn, writing cover letters and filling out application forms, thriving in your existing role will stand you in better stead for your new role. It’s also important to focus on thriving outside of your work life as a way to figure out your career path.
“I am a big believer that how you start your day will set you up for success all around,” says Burdett. “Ultimately, success is an inside job; we must fill ourselves up to ensure focus, motivation and happiness.”
She suggests starting your day by setting aside 30 minutes for a calming activity, such as journaling, meditation or listening to an inspiring podcast, and working with a life or business coach or impartial mentor to sort through your options.
One of the easiest ways to quietly thrive is to speak to your boss to find out if there are any upcoming opportunities or projects that may inspire you in the workplace.
“A good relationship with your boss can support mental well-being as this will help foster an overall healthier approach to work, and help reduce the chances of stress and anxiety when lines of communication are open and trusted,” says Namaani.
Burdett adds: “Join an already established network, one where you will resonate with like-minded people with similar interests. It’s important to build our own networks internally and externally, and sometimes we simply need to get out of our comfort zone and try new things.”
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
UAE FIXTURES
October 18 – 7.30pm, UAE v Oman, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 19 – 7.30pm, UAE v Ireland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 21 – 2.10pm, UAE v Hong Kong, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 22 – 2.10pm, UAE v Jersey, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 24 – 10am, UAE v Nigeria, Abu Dhabi Cricket Oval 1
October 27 – 7.30pm, UAE v Canada, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 29 – 2.10pm, Playoff 1 – A2 v B3; 7.30pm, Playoff 2 – A3 v B2, at Dubai International Stadium.
October 30 – 2.10pm, Playoff 3 – A4 v Loser of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Playoff 4 – B4 v Loser of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium
November 1 – 2.10pm, Semifinal 1 – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Semifinal 2 – A1 v Winner of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium
November 2 – 2.10pm, Third place Playoff – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Final, at Dubai International Stadium
The%20specs
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Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners
Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
The five pillars of Islam
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
